Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this exquisite Potatoes Au Gratin recipe. Featuring tender, thinly sliced golden and sweet potatoes enveloped in a rich, creamy, and irresistibly cheesy sauce, then topped with savory crisp bacon, every forkful is a celebration of flavor and texture. This homemade potato recipe from scratch elevates any meal, making it an absolute must-have for holiday gatherings or any occasion when you crave truly exceptional au gratin potatoes. Quick to assemble and bursting with gourmet taste, prepare to be asked for seconds!
As the holiday season approaches, with Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter just around the corner, many of us start planning festive menus. While the main course often takes center stage, for many, the true stars of any holiday feast are the side dishes. If you’re a potato enthusiast who appreciates a luxurious side that truly stands out, then this **Potatoes Au Gratin recipe** is destined to become your new favorite. It’s more than just a side; it’s a culinary experience that promises to impress guests and satisfy even the pickiest eaters. This week, we’re dedicating our focus to #HolidaySideDishes, and we’re kicking things off with this glorious cheesy potato casserole that’s perfect for sharing.
The Best Sweet and Golden Potatoes Au Gratin from Scratch
Imagine a dish that’s warm, incredibly savory, and infused with the delightful flavors of both Asiago and Parmesan cheeses, all combined with tender potatoes. This homemade potato au gratin recipe is an absolute triumph, serving as the perfect complement to any main course or protein. Its family-friendly appeal and comforting richness make it an instant hit. What truly sets this recipe apart is the thoughtful inclusion of both delicate sweet potatoes and robust golden potatoes, offering a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. The potatoes are baked to golden-brown perfection, crowned with a layer of irresistible crispy bacon that adds a smoky, salty crunch, making this dish even more delectable. Even the kids will eagerly ask for more of these delightful potatoes!
Whether you’re planning your menu for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter, or simply looking for a phenomenal weeknight side, this recipe is incredibly versatile. It pairs beautifully with almost any type of cuisine or main dish. Often compared to scalloped potatoes, these au gratin potatoes are distinctively richer and undeniably superior, thanks to their generous cheesy core and savory additions.
Why This Homemade Potatoes Au Gratin Recipe is the Best
There are countless reasons why this particular Potatoes Au Gratin recipe stands out and earns its place as a kitchen staple. Its exceptional qualities make it a perfect choice for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs looking for a reliable, crowd-pleasing dish.
- Effortlessly Easy: Despite its gourmet appearance and rich flavor, this recipe is surprisingly simple to prepare. With straightforward steps, it allows you to create a magnificent dish from scratch without the usual culinary complexities. The assembly involves layering and baking, making the process smooth and enjoyable, even for those busy holiday preparations.
- Bursting with Unforgettable Flavor: Prepare for an explosion of taste! The masterful combination of aromatic garlic, rich butter, savory bacon, and perfectly tender potatoes creates a symphony of flavors that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression. Two distinct types of cheese – Asiago and Parmesan – melt flawlessly into a velvety, creamy sauce, adding depth and a luxurious tang that elevates the entire dish. This isn’t just a side; it’s a flavor experience.
- Remarkably Versatile: This recipe offers incredible flexibility, allowing you to tailor it to your preferences or dietary needs. You can choose to use only one type of potato, such as all golden or all sweet potatoes, or enjoy the delightful combination of both as suggested. For those with dietary restrictions, it’s also incredibly easy to adapt to be dairy-free. Simply substitute dairy milk and butter with your favorite plant-based alternatives and either omit the cheese or incorporate a high-quality dairy-free cheese alternative.
- A True Family Favorite: This comforting dish is designed to be enjoyed by everyone, from young children to adults. The creamy, cheesy sauce perfectly coats each tender slice of potato, creating a universally appealing texture and taste. It’s a guaranteed hit at any family meal or gathering, ensuring smiles and satisfied appetites all around.
How to Soften Potatoes for Au Gratin?
One common question when making au gratin potatoes is about pre-softening the potato slices. With this particular recipe, there’s no need for any extra steps to soften the potatoes beforehand. The thinly sliced potatoes are layered raw, and as they bake slowly in the oven, they naturally absorb all the exquisite creamy flavors from the milk and melted cheeses. This process ensures they become perfectly tender, infused with cheesy goodness, and incredibly easy to bite into, delivering that melt-in-your-mouth texture without any extra fuss.
What is the Difference Between Potatoes Au Gratin and Scalloped Potatoes?
While potatoes au gratin and scalloped potatoes are often used interchangeably, there’s a subtle yet significant distinction between these two beloved potato dishes. Both typically feature thinly sliced potatoes baked in a creamy sauce. However, the key difference lies in the cheese: Potatoes Au Gratin always includes a generous amount of cheese melted into its rich, creamy sauce, often topped with an additional layer of cheese for a golden, bubbly crust. Scalloped potatoes, on the other hand, are traditionally prepared with a creamy sauce that does not contain cheese, focusing more on the potato’s natural flavor complemented by a simple, savory cream sauce. Both forms utilize potatoes that are thinly sliced, sometimes referred to as “scalloped” slices, but the cheesy indulgence is what truly defines au gratin.
Is Potato Dauphinoise the Same as Potatoes Au Gratin?
Potato Dauphinoise, also known as Gratin Dauphinois, is another classic French potato dish that shares many similarities with Potatoes Au Gratin. Both are prepared in the “gratin” style, characterized by a browned crust, and feature thinly sliced potatoes baked in a rich, creamy liquid. The main difference is often regional and a matter of ingredient emphasis. Traditional Dauphinoise potatoes are typically made with cream (sometimes milk), garlic, and a hint of nutmeg, but they often omit cheese or use it very sparingly. Potatoes Au Gratin, however, always makes cheese a prominent ingredient, giving it that distinctive cheesy flavor and crust. Both recipes can be cooked using either raw or partially cooked potatoes, with the long, slow bake ensuring a tender interior and a beautifully caramelized exterior.
This recipe cleverly uses a blend of two distinct potato varieties – creamy golden potatoes and naturally sweet potatoes – to create an incredibly flavorful and balanced dish. The contrast in texture and sweetness makes every bite exceptionally satisfying!
Essential Ingredients for the Best Potatoes Au Gratin
Crafting this magnificent potato au gratin involves a selection of high-quality ingredients that combine to create an unforgettable taste. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that perfect creamy, cheesy, and savory balance.
- Nonstick Cooking Spray: Essential for preparing your casserole dish, ensuring that the rich potato and cheese layers don’t stick, making serving and cleanup a breeze.
- Onion: A foundational aromatic, diced onion provides a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the creamy sauce. Both white or yellow onions work beautifully; feel free to chop it ahead of time to streamline your preparation process.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is highly recommended for its bold, pungent flavor that truly shines through in the sauce. If fresh garlic isn’t available, granulated garlic can be used as a convenient alternative, though fresh offers unparalleled aroma.
- Butter: The cornerstone of our rich, creamy sauce, butter – whether salted or unsalted – contributes a luxurious, velvety texture and irresistible richness. Butter and potatoes are a match made in culinary heaven!
- Salt and Pepper: These fundamental seasonings are crucial for enhancing all the other flavors. Adjust to your personal preference, ensuring the dish is perfectly seasoned and balanced.
- All-Purpose Flour: Used as a thickening agent, flour is key to creating the wonderfully savory and smooth sauce that lovingly coats every potato slice. For a gluten-free version, simply substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Milk: Dairy milk is vital for achieving an extra creamy and smooth sauce. You can use any type, from full-fat for maximum richness to 2% for a slightly lighter option, all contributing to that desired luscious consistency.
- Potatoes: This recipe calls for a delightful combination of sweet and golden potatoes. Sweet potatoes should be peeled for a smoother texture, while the tender skins of golden potatoes (like Yukon Golds) can be left on for added rustic charm and nutrients. Ensure all potatoes are thinly sliced for even cooking.
- Cheese (Asiago & Parmesan): The heart of this cheesy delight! A blend of Asiago and Parmesan cheeses provides a complex, rich, and deeply savory flavor profile. For the best flavor and melt, we highly recommend grating your own cheese rather than using pre-shredded varieties.
- Bacon: Crispy-cooked and crumbled bacon pieces take these potatoes to an entirely new level. They introduce a fantastic textural contrast and a smoky, irresistible savoriness that makes this au gratin recipe truly exceptional.
How to Make This Irresistible Potatoes Au Gratin Recipe
You’ll find yourself returning to this homemade recipe time and again, not just because it’s incredibly delicious, but because it’s so remarkably EASY to prepare! Don’t reserve it solely for the holidays; it makes a truly fantastic and comforting meal anytime you’re craving something special.
Step One – Prepare and Sauté Aromatics
Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). While the oven heats, prepare a 3-quart casserole dish by lightly coating it with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure a perfect release.
In a large skillet or frying pan, melt the butter over medium heat until it’s completely liquid and lightly bubbling. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the melted butter. Sauté these aromatics gently until they become wonderfully fragrant and tender, typically 3-5 minutes, being careful not to brown the garlic.
Step Two – Create the Roux
Once the onions and garlic are tender, whisk in the all-purpose flour, salt, and pepper directly into the skillet. Continue to whisk vigorously for about one minute, ensuring the flour is fully incorporated with the butter and aromatics, forming a smooth roux. This step is crucial for thickening your sauce. Be mindful of the heat to prevent the flour mixture from burning; a medium-low heat is ideal here.
Step Three – Whisk in Milk to Form Sauce
With the roux prepared, gradually pour the milk into the skillet, whisking continuously. Keep whisking as the sauce heats, allowing it to slowly thicken and become hot and bubbly. This continuous whisking prevents lumps and creates a beautifully smooth, luscious sauce. Once the desired consistency is achieved, remove the pan from the heat.
Step Four – Layer the Potatoes Au Gratin
Now it’s time to assemble your impressive au gratin. Begin by spreading one-third of your freshly prepared creamy sauce evenly across the bottom of the greased casserole dish. This forms the flavorful foundation for your layers.
Next, carefully arrange half of the thinly sliced sweet potatoes and golden potatoes over the sauce, creating an even layer. Follow this with a generous sprinkle of half of the shredded Asiago cheese.
Step Five – Continue Layering for Richness
To build more flavor and depth, spoon another third of the rich, creamy sauce over the first layer of potatoes and Asiago cheese. Then, layer the remaining sweet and golden potatoes, ensuring good coverage. Finish this layer by scattering the remaining Asiago cheese over the potatoes. Finally, spoon the last of the sauce over the entire potato and cheese stack, ensuring everything is beautifully coated and ready for the final touch.
Step Six – Top with Parmesan and Bake
For a perfectly golden crust and an extra layer of savory depth, sprinkle the shredded Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the assembled potatoes au gratin. This final cheese layer will bake into a beautiful, bubbling crust.
Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. After this initial baking period, remove the foil and continue to bake the potatoes, uncovered, for another 45 minutes, or until the potatoes are exquisitely tender and can be easily pierced with a fork, and the top is beautifully golden brown and bubbly.
Step Seven – Add Bacon and Rest
Once the potatoes are perfectly tender and golden, remove the casserole dish from the oven. Generously sprinkle the cooked and crumbled bacon pieces over the hot, bubbly top. This adds a fantastic crunch and smoky flavor. Allow the potatoes au gratin to stand, uncovered, at room temperature for at least ten minutes before serving. This resting period allows the sauce to set slightly, making for easier, cleaner servings and intensifying the flavors.
For a final touch of freshness and elegance, garnish your delicious Potatoes Au Gratin with fresh herbs such as sage, parsley, rosemary, or thyme before serving. The vibrant green will contrast beautifully with the golden-brown top and add another layer of aroma. Trust us, it will be incredibly hard to resist going back for seconds (or even thirds!) of this amazing dish!
Love This Recipe? Pin It for Later!
Don’t let this incredible Potatoes Au Gratin recipe get lost in your bookmarks! Make sure to save it for future reference. Pin it to your favorite Pinterest board before you leave, so you can easily find it whenever you’re ready to create this comforting and delicious potato dish again!
Can Potatoes Au Gratin Be Made Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! One of the many fantastic advantages of this Potatoes Au Gratin recipe is its make-ahead potential, which is especially beneficial when you’re planning a large meal or hosting for the holidays. To prepare it in advance, simply assemble all the ingredients, layer them beautifully into your baking dish, and then cover it tightly. Store the covered dish in the refrigerator for up to three days before you plan to bake it. This convenient feature allows you to significantly reduce your kitchen time on the day of your event, ensuring all your festive side dishes are ready without last-minute stress. When ready to bake, simply follow the baking instructions as usual, adding a few extra minutes if baking directly from the fridge.
Expert Tips for Perfect Potatoes Au Gratin
Achieving the perfect Potatoes Au Gratin is easier than you think with these helpful tips:
- Potato Varieties: While Yukon Gold potatoes offer a wonderfully creamy texture, feel free to use Russet potatoes if you prefer. Russets will yield a slightly starchier texture but still create a delicious dish.
- Cheese Exploration: Don’t limit yourself to just Asiago and Parmesan! Experiment with other cheeses to customize the flavor. Sharp cheddar, Gruyère, or even a smoky Gouda can add fantastic new dimensions. For a hint of warmth and spice, try incorporating some Pepper Jack cheese.
- The Importance of Salt: Never underestimate the power of salt in this recipe. Potatoes absorb a lot of seasoning, so ensure you adequately salt the sauce and taste it before layering. Proper salting is key to a perfectly seasoned and flavorful Potatoes Au Gratin.
- Storing Leftovers: If you’re lucky enough to have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will remain delicious for up to four days.
- Reheating Instructions: To reheat your Potatoes Au Gratin, the oven is your best friend for maintaining texture. Warm the potatoes in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until thoroughly heated through and the cheese is bubbly again. For a quicker option, you can also warm individual portions in a microwave-safe dish in the microwave, though the crust might not be as crisp.
Perfect Serving Suggestions
The versatility of Potatoes Au Gratin makes it an ideal companion to a wide array of main courses. Its rich, creamy, and savory profile complements robust meats beautifully. Consider serving these delightful potatoes alongside a succulent Glazed Smoked Ham, a tender Mississippi Pot Roast, an elegantly prepared Spatchcock Chicken, or a flavorful Smoked Turkey. Truly, this recipe pairs wonderfully with almost anything you put on your plate!
More Delicious Potato Recipes You Will Love!
Who doesn’t love potatoes? They are incredibly versatile, comforting, and can be transformed into countless delicious dishes. If you’ve enjoyed this Potatoes Au Gratin, you’ll definitely want to explore more of our favorite potato recipes:
- The Best Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes (pictured above) – incredibly creamy and effortless!
- Classic Potato Cakes Recipe – perfect for using up leftovers or as a savory snack.
- Hearty Cheesy Potato Soup – a comforting bowl packed with cheesy goodness.
- Savory Potato, Green Bean, and Bacon Soup – a delightful blend of textures and flavors.
- Ultimate Loaded Baked Potato Casserole – all the flavors of a loaded baked potato in an easy casserole form.
- Quick Mashed Potato Cakes – crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside.
- Creamy Loaded Baked Potato Soup – a rich and satisfying soup that feels like a full meal.
We are confident that your family and guests will absolutely adore this spectacular Potatoes Au Gratin recipe. It’s more than just a side dish; it’s a memorable culinary experience that will bring smiles to every face at your table. Enjoy every cheesy, creamy, and savory bite! 
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Print Recipe
Potatoes Au Gratin
Equipment
- Zyliss Comfort Utility Knife
- 12-Piece Black Sharp Knife Set with Covers, Cutting Board and Sharpener
- Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Nonstick 1-Quart Saucepan with Lid
- 9×13 Pyrex Baking Dish with a Lid
Ingredients
- 1 cup onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 6 Tablespoons butter
- 6 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 3½ cups milk
- 4 cups sweet potatoes peeled and thinly sliced
- 4 cups Yukon gold potatoes skins left on, thinly sliced
- 8 ounces Asiago cheese shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 6 slices bacon cooked crisp and crumbled
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 3-quart casserole dish by coating it with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, and cook until tender and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. Whisk in salt, pepper, and flour until well combined, cooking for 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually add milk, continuing to whisk until the sauce is thickened, hot, and bubbly. Remove from heat.
- Spread one-third of the prepared sauce into the bottom of the casserole dish. Layer with half of the thinly sliced sweet potatoes and golden potatoes, then sprinkle with half of the shredded Asiago cheese.
- Top with another third of the sauce, then add the remaining potatoes, and the remaining Asiago cheese. Spoon the remainder of the sauce over the top, ensuring everything is covered. Sprinkle evenly with the grated Parmesan cheese.
- Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Uncover and continue to bake for another 45 minutes, or until the potatoes are very tender (easily pierced with a fork) and the top is golden brown and bubbly. Remove from oven, sprinkle with the cooked and crumbled bacon pieces, and let stand, uncovered, for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Nutrition
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